Mathematics has always been one of the subjects which the Monkey boy does not have major difficulties in. He has always been strong in this subject and achieves between 80-90 for most of his Math’s papers.

However as his move from one level to another there is in an increase in the depth of each topic which he would have to master and maintaining good grades gets harder.

As you can see from the table above there are now two papers that have to be completed for the Maths Exam instead of one.

The time for the exam has been extended from 1hr 45 min to 50 min + 1h 40min. Within the extra 45 min 2 Papers have to be completed instead of just one.

Even though the calculator is allowed to be used for Paper 2 the questions that are posed are much more complicated and require multiple steps to solve. ( On average 4-6 steps per question)

In a Primary 4 Maths exam the student has to complete 44 questions while in Primary 5 they need to complete 48 questions within an additional 45 minutes.

Even though there are only 4 more questions it can pose much difficult to the student. These additional questions are within the Structured Long Questions in Paper 2 which adds up to a 50% weightage of the whole paper.

This certainly discounts the fact that even though the calculator is allowed for use in Paper 2 it doesn’t mean the questions are easier to complete.

Maths Topics tested

Most of the topics that are tested are built up on concepts that have been introduced since Primary 1. From the emphasis on the four operations ( + – X and ÷) to various skills and processes which are required to solve the problem a vast array of problem solving techniques need to be implemented.

Methods used to solve Long Answer questions

There are several different methods which can be used to solve Long Answer questions. The most common method of solving structured long answers is using the Model method.

This method is promoted in solving long answer questions as pupils can represent the mathematical relationships in a problem pictorially. This helps them understand the problem and plan steps for the solution. The pictorial form also helps pupils visualise what could otherwise be abstract concepts. (Fractions, Ratio & Percentage)

There are other methods which can be used to solve the Long Answer question when using the Model method doesn’t seem relevant to the posed question.

The other methods that are used are

– List and Check

– Looking for a pattern

– Working backwards.

I personally think it is important for the student to know how to use the various different methods that they have been taught in school.

In the next post I will be sharing with you how I help Monkey boy reinforce the concepts he has learned in Maths.